10 Surprising Extras that Add Value to Homes

The market for buying and selling homes is always going up and down. It’s hard to know when it’ll be a good time to sell your home and how much you could get for it. There’s property values to think of, depending on where you live and how your area is growing. Your neighbor’s homes will also affect how much you can expect to get for your home.

It can all seem like it’s out of your control, but there are a few things you can do to give your home a better chance at snagging a larger price tag. People talk about adding onto their home or installing an in-ground pool to increase their property value, but you don’t need to dip into your savings to make some money.

Instead, read on for a list of small extras that will add value to your home. They won’t cost a huge chunk of change to do, and they won’t take up much of your time, either. See if you can do any of these in your home and watch how they transform the profit you can make on your property.

1. New or Refreshed Backsplash

The basic idea behind adding value to your property is to upgrade and update anything in sight. That’s why people jump to major renovations. The thought is that the bigger the upgrade, the more cash you’ll get. That’s not always necessarily true, so don’t think you have to spend big or go home.

Something as small as a refreshed backsplash in your kitchen can make a world of difference. Give it a new coat of paint to cover up age-old stains or scratches. Re-tile it to make it look brand-new. Even someone with no experience can tackle a re-tiling project. Find a guide and get started this weekend.

2. Upgraded Hardware

When was the last time you upgraded the hardware in your home? From door handles to your washer and dryer, you could probably use a little more stainless steel in your life. It’s easy to care for and lasts forever, and when it’s brand-new, it’ll make your home sparkle like a shiny new penny. Plus, everyone wants stainless steel in messy places like the kitchen, so it’ll be on the list for anyone from a new homeowner to a large family when they tour homes.

3. Painted Cabinets

Paint can transform an old home into a modern one, especially where you wouldn’t think to repaint. Cabinets get stained and scratched over time, but they’re easy to take for granted, so you may not notice the damage. Give your cabinets a makeover in an afternoon and you’ll be able to see the difference immediately.

4. Different Knobs

You might not think tiny changes could add value to your home, but even something as minor as changing out the knobs on your doors and cabinets can help. They’ll update whatever room they’re in and bring your home into the current design era.

5. Exposed-Brick Fireplace

A key to adding property value is to bring as much of the original home into your current design as you can. If your home has a brick fireplace, you can expose the interior brick chimney to do just that. Exposed brick will be perfect for anyone looking for a home with an urban chic feel. Brick works with almost any design aspirations, so you won’t be narrowing down your potential homeowner list with this project.

6. Shading Trees

When it’s hot outside, your air conditioner runs more often than not, which means your home is making you pay more to live comfortably. You can change this by adding trees around your home in the best spots for them to create shade, which will block the sunlight and keep your home cool. People will be willing to pay more for a home with lower electricity bills.

7. Popcorn-Less Ceilings

Popcorn ceilings used to be all the rage, but that trend quickly died out, and it doesn’t look like it’ll be coming back anytime soon. In fact, when potential home buyers see a room with a popcorn ceiling, they just see a future construction project they’ll have to do after moving in.

Save them the time and get paid for it by removing your popcorn ceiling quickly and easily. After it’s gone, your room will look transformed. You’ll probably need a can of white paint to give it a new coat when you finish the work, but it’ll be well worth it when you see your property value increase.

8. Curb Appeal

A big part of property value is curb appeal. No one wants to live in a home that doesn’t look nice, so make sure your home shines. One way to do this is by updating your home’s exterior. Start with upgrading the yard by adding a few plants and trimming some bushes.

9. Painted Rooms

Imagine all the homes you used to see with wallpaper. Now, most people choose to paint their walls instead. Paint has a way of making a room look clean and welcoming, while wallpaper just creates a busy atmosphere. Remove any wallpaper in your home or give painted rooms a fresh coat to give your home new life.

10. A Clean Bill of Health

The best way to increase your property value is to get a clean bill of health for your home. That means getting an inspection on every nook and cranny your home has. If an inspector says there are no issues, people will pay more to make it their own.

When you’re trying to sell your home or if you’re thinking about moving in the future, you want to get the most value out of it you can. However, that’s hard to do if you find out you could potentially lose money on the sale of your home.

Try some of these extra trips and projects to add value to your home. You don’t need to be in construction to make your house worth more. A fresh coat of paint and a few new door handles could be all you need to get the property value you’re looking for.

Kacey Bradley is the lifestyle and travel blogger for The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Tripping.com, and more!
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